Nigel Fletcher is the co-founder and research director of the Centre for Opposition Studies and a political historian at King’s College London. His research interests include contemporary British political history, the UK constitution, and institutions of government.

"The official opposition is integral to the contemporary political system of the United Kingdom. The lack of a full historical study of this subject is therefore a substantial gap in our knowledge. We are fortunate that Dr. Fletcher has now made good on this omission; and done so with considerable skill. I recommend this work highly. It should remain an essential text for some time to come."Andrew Blick, Professor of Politics and Contemporary History and Head of Department of Political Economy, King’s College London

• Introduction 1. Concepts of Opposition 2. Official Recognition: Parliamentary Procedure and Government Contacts 3. Official Recognition and the Growth of Institutional Support 4. People and Places: The Organisation of the Institution 5. Working the Night Shift: Approaches to Opposition 6. Conclusions

Nigel Fletcher is the co-founder and research director of the Centre for Opposition Studies and a political historian at King’s College London. His research interests include contemporary British political history, the UK constitution, and institutions of government.

"The official opposition is integral to the contemporary political system of the United Kingdom. The lack of a full historical study of this subject is therefore a substantial gap in our knowledge. We are fortunate that Dr. Fletcher has now made good on this omission; and done so with considerable skill. I recommend this work highly. It should remain an essential text for some time to come."Andrew Blick, Professor of Politics and Contemporary History and Head of Department of Political Economy, King’s College London

• Introduction 1. Concepts of Opposition 2. Official Recognition: Parliamentary Procedure and Government Contacts 3. Official Recognition and the Growth of Institutional Support 4. People and Places: The Organisation of the Institution 5. Working the Night Shift: Approaches to Opposition 6. Conclusions